World No. 5 Netherlands defeats Nº 4 Chinese Taipei to open Premier12 Group

World No. 5 Netherlands defeats Nº 4 Chinese Taipei to open Premier12 Group
10/11/2015

TAICHUNG, Taiwan — The Dutch National Team defeated hosts Chinese Taipei 7-4 in a thriller Monday night at Intercontinental Stadium to open Group A of the 2015 WBSC Premier12.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan — The Dutch National Team defeated hosts Chinese Taipei 7-4 in a thriller Monday night at Intercontinental Stadium to open Group A of the 2015 WBSC Premier12.

After legend and home run king Sadaharu Oh’s ceremonial first swing of the bat, world No. 4 Chinese Taipei and the No. 5 Netherlands put on a fireworks display, combining for 23 hits and 3 home runs.

The Netherlands pounded 14 hits, including a 2-run home run by third baseman Yurendell de Caster (3 for 5, 2 RBI, 2 R) in the second inning.

Just prior to De Caster’s home run, the crowd of more than 16,000 was electrified when Chinese Taipei star outfielder Dai-Kang Yang (Nippon Ham Fighters — NPB) blasted a home run off Dutch starter Diego Markwell in the bottom of the first inning.

In the sixth inning, Hung-Yu Lin (Lamigo Monkeys — CPBL) launched a home run to make the game 4-3, bringing the cheering fans to their feet.

In the top of the ninth inning, the Netherlands scored three runs on three hits, including a double by NPB home run king Wladimir Balentien (Tokyo Yakult Swallows) to put the game out of reach.

The Netherlands used five pitchers, with Shairon Martis picking up the win for his 2.2 innings in relief.

In the loss, star Dai-Kang Yang commended his opponents and teammates, saying the opening match was a “great performances from both teams.”